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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or most other action-adventure title, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful mechanic referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move lets your avatar to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and gain space from foes. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, and not only due to the tumbling; it's been labeled unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: just grant each opponent overwhelming force, multiply it, and every Tarnished who approaches them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in Elden Ring comes close to this level of gratification and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are easily broken by strong enemies. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

While this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. To begin with, Elden Ring's dodge roll just activates a window of invulnerability once you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might move you aside from foes, it's significantly more useful to utilize it as a moment to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in the game. Naturally, that doesn't render it a believable combat move — the very cause why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, so who cares?

Like any proper evasion move, this title's dodge motion is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel super agile or relatively slow, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).

The Perfect Balance

The game's evasion system creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but gratification.